Key West, FL

Key West is a mix of frontier, edgy and eccentric; known as Florida's southernmost point, lying roughly 90 miles north of Cuba. this 7-sq-mile island is a tropical oasis with a true live-and-be free attitude, and seemingly continuous happy hour. Since it's only a 3-hour drive from miami, key west's beautiful, pastel homes and spirited nightlife is the perfect day/weekend getaway trip.

Key West is a fairly small island, very walkable and relaxing. If you live in Miami (around a 3 hour drive), it's the perfect getaway destination when work or life gets too overwhelming. Key West truly has a live-and-be free attitude.

Each visit is different, but my favorite spot to have lunch when arriving is at Hot Tin Roof . This spot has such a beautiful view of the ocean and pool deck. Plus the food is delicious. Afterwards, there are a ton of things to do in Key West:

scuba dive,

chill at the beach,

take a boat ride,

drink by the pool,

lay in hammocks,

visit the museum,

walk down Duval Street,

visit Hemingway's house

When one of my friends went scuba diving, the rest of us walked around the streets, eventually finding our way to the Southernmost House, a small hotel, with hammocks and beach bar in the back, in other words relaxing. Of course we passed by the Southernmost Point sculpture and snacked on chocolate covered key lime pies from Key Lime Pie & Co.A trip to Key West wouldn’t be right without a piece (or two, or three pieces) of the destination’s famous dessert.

Key West is an island, so it's literally surrounded by the ocean. There are a few beaches to choose from, but the best one I've seen is Smathers Beach. Spend the afternoon by Malory Square, for the sunset celebration, where you’ll find live music, and street performers, or watch the sunset from Sunset Tiki Bar.

Eat dinner at one of Key West's many restaurants, one of my favorites being Sarabeth's Kitchen.